CIA Recipe: From Garden to Grill, A Marinated Pepper Salad

Hyde Park, NY – The grill isn't just for meat. Vegetables are also right at
home cooked above a hot layer of coals. The grill's smoke lends a unique flavor
to vegetables, and the high heat draws out their natural sugars, caramelizing their surface for an irresistible bite. Grilled
vegetables are vibrant and aromatic enough to stand on their own as an
appetizer or main course.

From greens to dense roots, it is possible to grill almost
any vegetable. The key is to take special care when grilling and to use the
freshest produce available. Farmers' markets and farm stands, grocery stores
that feature local produce, and home gardens are often
the best sources for fresh vegetables. Ideally, vegetables should be firm and unblemished
with bright colors. Attached leaves should be full, not limp or wilted, and root
ends, if any, should be dry.

Howie Velie, associate dean of culinary
specializations at The Culinary Institute of America, offers these tips when
preparing vegetables for the grill:

Give them a good rinse and allow them to dry well. It is
especially important for vegetables to be dry if they are going to be coated
with oil before grilling.

Parboil denser vegetables to help speed their grilling
time. Place them in boiling salted water, or steam them, until they are
slightly tender.

Brush a light coating of oil on the vegetables as well as
on the cooking grate to keep the food from sticking.

To prevent a flare-up from too much oil dripping onto the
burner or coals, shake off the excess oil from the vegetables before placing
the items on the grill.

Feel free to grill other vegetables such as cauliflower, poblano peppers, and baby carrots to add in the following
salad recipe. You can also include thin slices of celery, fresh basil or
cilantro, or red onions. This recipe is a great accompaniment to grilled,
roasted, or baked meats, fish, or poultry.

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering associate and bachelor's degrees with majors in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and culinary science, as well as certificate programs in culinary arts and wine and beverage studies. As the world's premier culinary college, the CIA provides thought leadership in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, and world cuisines & cultures through research and conferences. The CIA has a network of 45,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Roy Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Johnny Iuzzini, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The CIA also offers courses for professionals and enthusiasts, as well as consulting services in support of innovation for the foodservice and hospitality industry. The college has campuses in Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; San Antonio, TX; and Singapore.